Cross-border merchants who are currently engaged in or interested in selling dietary supplements on TikTok US, take note! There have been recent updates to policies related to dietary supplements, and the following information requires your careful attention!
Image source: TuKe Overseas
On January 14, TikTok Shop issued an announcement stating that dietary supplements are now classified as a restricted product category on the US platform. It is clearly stipulated that only cross-border merchants with warehouses located within the United States are eligible to sell dietary supplements in the US.
If merchants wish to sell products such as beauty and health foods, vitamins, fitness supplements, minerals, and health products, they must submit the necessary documents and pass the TikTok Shop "Category Qualification" approval process before they can sell dietary supplements on the platform (specific requirements as shown in the image).
In addition, depending on the type of product, TikTok Shop may require merchants to provide other documents, so please pay special attention to this point.
Image source: TikTok Shop Academy
There are reasons behind TikTok Shop’s introduction of these new regulations. Dietary supplements are related to consumer health and safety, and the US market has always had strict regulations for such products. As an e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop has the responsibility to protect consumer rights and will naturally follow local laws and regulations to formulate corresponding restricted sales policies.
Currently, for cross-border merchants, the most critical condition is that they must have a warehouse within the United States. This requirement is not difficult, and setting up an overseas warehouse has many benefits.
Having a warehouse in the United States means that domestic merchants can process orders and ship goods more quickly, greatly shortening delivery times and improving the shopping experience for consumers. From the platform’s perspective, this will help improve overall service quality and reputation.
Image source: Internet
On the other hand, cross-border merchants setting up warehouses in the US also makes it easier to accept inspections from local regulatory authorities. If any product quality issues or compliance questions arise, they can respond promptly and take appropriate action, reducing negative impacts.
From an opportunity perspective, more restrictions mean fewer competitors. For cross-border merchants who already have or plan to establish warehouses in the US, this will be a rare development opportunity. For example, by optimizing their business processes, they can better expand and strengthen their dietary supplement business in the US and make a name for themselves on TikTok Shop.
Image source: Internet
As for how cross-border merchants should submit documents, the steps are as follows:
1) Log in to your TikTok Shop Seller Center account on your computer;
2) Click on My Account and enter the Qualification Center;
3) Then click Category Qualification;
4) After clicking Add Category Authorization, follow the instructions to add category qualifications.
Image source: TikTok Shop Academy
Here is the TikTok Shop list of prohibited products:
When selecting products, be sure to avoid the above prohibited categories to avoid unnecessary losses!